The Duratec Sparkplug Sticky

[S0C0nFused]

I would be interested to know about the heat range 'debate?'. SPECIFICALLY > IF you run 103's (A103's, AR103's). Has anyone in this (prob) select group ever suffered fouling?
I recognize it could be an issue, but in a real world scenario does it really occur?
I ask only in that I have read that I should not run the AR103 due to stated concerns (by whynotthinkwhynot and others). But I have never read about anyone ever actually suffering from this. So on a scale of 1 to 10 (1 being almost never), what are the chances normal street cars would have a problem running the cooler 103?

Thanks much!
Add > Not to get ahead of myself. IF a cooler plug is used. Would the tune need to be changed to take advantage?

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Whoa whoa whoa---- I run 103s in my car. No fouling, but I run 87 octane fuel as well. Now if you run a higher octane fuel, ok, you might not need the lower heat range plug to avoid spark knock. In this case, you could see some fouling. I have not seen fouling, and my plug life is more than 20k because that's about when I change them. Now if I'd noticed odd spark plug deposits leaning towards lean, rich, or detonation- I'd have probably switched to something else. On the 104s, I did always see a little big of red indicating high heat. Your performance will be similar to mine since you're on the MS river so probably close to the same elevation. People in higher elevations might not even benefit from colder plugs. Everyone has to do their own experiments- there are so many factors in plug performance, and it's entirely logical that a plug that performs great in one location, won't perform as great in another.

[S0C0nFused]

Hmmm. OK. Fully 'whoa'd'. I run 93 fuel (yes I have a tune for it). So what your saying is 'try a set' and see. FYI: currently, I replace my plugs A104's ~3-5K (cause that was what I read somewhere). There always 'pristine' which made my think I was replacing them too often.
P.S. your running A103 or AR103?

[GreenEnvy]

the 103 / 104 should last at least 20k with no problem.
103's fouling? mines stock other than plugs and steeda sri (no tune) and I run minimum 91 octane. reason being... my gas milage increased as well as butt dyno power (well actual dyno was 114.5whp). 89 ethanol was giving me just shy of 25mpg, 87 was about 26.5mpg and premium shot to 29-35mpg (averages 31).
only about 6k on the plugs, but no sign of wear or stress. and they've seen road trips, auto x, and drag racing in that time.

[ElectricAL]

Originally Posted by goinloco1

the 103 / 104 should last at least 20k with no problem.
103's fouling? mines stock other than plugs and steeda sri (no tune) and I run minimum 91 octane. reason being... my gas milage increased as well as butt dyno power (well actual dyno was 114.5whp). 89 ethanol was giving me just shy of 25mpg, 87 was about 26.5mpg and premium shot to 29-35mpg (averages 31).
only about 6k on the plugs, but no sign of wear or stress. and they've seen road trips, auto x, and drag racing in that time.

This sounds promising to me. To this point I've ruled out the 103 plugs because I didn't want to go to a colder heat range, given this location (Twin Cities). But if you're runnin' 'em and having no problems, then I may give 'em a shot. The other complication for me is that I only live 3 miles from work so sometimes I'll start my car in subzero temps, warm it up for about a minute or two, then gently drive it (takes another minute or two to reach normal operating temps). By the time it's fully warmed up, I'm halfway to work and have only another mile or two to drive it.

Aww heck, as I think about this, I think I'll just keep the 104's for winter use and swap the 103's in for the other 3 seasons... same thing I do with my wheelsets (one dedicated for winter). Changing plugs really is a breeze in these cars, anyways.

[BowerR64]

Yeah changign them every 20K doesnt seem to bad to me. I may have to do the same thing. Run the AR103 in the summer and a different one in the winter, maybe the 104.

Changing them when i change my tires just to check the plugs and how they are burning probobly wouldnt hurt.

Also with how over priced everything for these cars are $15. for a set of spark plugs is a bargin in my book. I mean $200. for a CAI? A bent tube and a cone shaped air filter does not cost $200. but we pay it.

$1200. for wheels and tires, $1000. for a 2" drop? Im good for $15. plugs every 20K

[S0C0nFused]

I knew I was changing them to often!!! OK, will try the 103's. And goinloco1, I get/got the same result going to premium (I just average it at 30MPG mixed + butt dyno).
ElectricAL >> I get a lot of 2-3 miler's in town as well. But every 6mo or so, I take it for a tuneup drive (average 70mph) for min half a tank. It really does wonders to clean or lube or idaknow, it just really runs better after-wards. I would recommend a cruise around Ozark country but that would be a bit of a trip.

[whynotthinkwhynot]

Just A103, but I need to pull them out and try cutting back on the back-strap so it's more like the AR. Unfortunately my bandsaw needs a new blade. I guess I could do it in a vise with a hacksaw. You might even be able to snip it with a pair of diagonal cut pliers if you have a good pair.

Anyway, I tried other octanes as well- 2 tanks each, and didn't find cost effectiveness for myself. Everyone should do experiments for themselves when it comes to octane/plug combos. Too many variables. I do like the standard plugs because those help with diagnosis- build up deposits. I just don't put them in the wife's van. It's not so easy to change Windstar plugs- the cowl has to be removed, and it helps to take the nut off the dipstick bracket as well. There are cases where long life plugs make sense.

[Motor City Madman]

I can get the AR 103s from Advance Auto Parts online for about $9 with a 20% discount coupon and pick them up at my local store and they are in stock. Bottom line, can you actually feel this 4-5 hp increase? I have a stock '09 with only 11k miles on it. If there is a somewhat noticable difference, then I'd do it. What do you think?

[CamoCustom]

I was thinking about it, gonna maybe run to Autozone or Advance(they just built an Advance literally right next door to autozone locally here LMAO)